Best Maps for the Blue Mountains

by Christopher O'Keeffe July 24, 2026

The Blue Mountains is not a region where one map should be expected to do everything. A successful journey may require a broad touring map, a regional 1:50,000 topographic map, individual 1:25,000 sheets for serious bushwalking and a dedicated map or guide for the Six Foot Track.

The Blue Mountains can appear deceptively accessible.

Katoomba is connected to Sydney by road and rail. Lookouts, cafés and visitor attractions sit close to established towns. Many famous walks begin only minutes from suburban streets.

Step beyond the escarpment, however, and the landscape changes quickly.

Roads give way to fire trails.

Fire trails narrow into walking tracks.

Plateaus end at cliffs.

Creeks disappear into deep sandstone gorges.

A destination that appears close on a phone may lie on the opposite side of an impassable valley.

This is why choosing the right Blue Mountains map matters.

A general touring map can show the relationship between Katoomba, Blackheath, Lithgow, Jenolan Caves and the surrounding villages. A regional topographic map reveals the greater landscape. A 1:25,000 sheet provides the contour, track, watercourse and terrain detail needed for more serious planning.

The Six Foot Track demonstrates this perfectly.

The historic route leaves the western edge of Katoomba, descends through Nellies Glen, crosses the Megalong Valley and Coxs River, climbs towards the Black Range and traditionally continues towards Jenolan Caves. The complete route crosses three separate NSW 1:25,000 topographic sheets:

• Katoomba 8930-1S;

• Hampton 8930-4S;

• Jenolan 8930-3N.

Those three sheets provide the most detailed conventional topographic coverage of the full historic walking corridor. The dedicated Six Foot Track map and the Woodslane guide then add route-specific information, stages and walking context.

For the wider Blue Mountains, additional sheets such as Mount Wilson, Wollangambe, Jamison and Kanangra extend the map kit north, east and south into some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes.

Browse Mapworld’s complete Blue Mountains search results for topographic sheets, regional maps, wall maps and historical coverage.

---

The Best Blue Mountains Maps: Quick Recommendations

Purpose	Best Mapworld option
Best general touring map	Blue Mountains Craigies Map
Best broad southern topographic map	Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Folded Map
Best broad northern topographic map	Blue Mountains North 1:50,000 Map
Best dedicated Six Foot Track map	Six Foot Track Map — DPE
Best Six Foot Track guide	The Six Foot Track — Woodslane
Best detailed map for the Katoomba end	Katoomba 8930-1S Topographic Map
Best detailed map for Megalong Valley and Coxs River	Hampton 8930-4S Topographic Map
Best detailed map for the Jenolan end	Jenolan 8930-3N Topographic Map
Best map for Mount Wilson and northern escarpments	Mount Wilson 8930-1N Topographic Map
Best map for Wollangambe country	Wollangambe 8931-2S Topographic Map
Best map for the Jamison Valley area	Jamison 8930-2N Topographic Map
Best map for Kanangra-Boyd country	Kanangra 8930-3S Topographic Map
Best regional planning wall map	Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Wall Map

For most visitors, the best starting combination is:

1. the Blue Mountains Craigies Map for roads, towns and visitor orientation;

2. the Blue Mountains South or North 1:50,000 map for regional topography;

3. the relevant 1:25,000 sheet for the actual walk;

4. a compass and offline digital mapping;

5. current park alerts, weather and track information.

For the Six Foot Track, replace the single local sheet with the dedicated track map or the three-sheet Katoomba–Hampton–Jenolan set.

---

Important Six Foot Track Access Information

The Six Foot Track is presently affected by the closure of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve.

At the time of writing, NSW National Parks advises that the walking route ends at Binda Bush Cabins, rather than continuing into Jenolan Caves. The Jenolan reserve and visitor precinct are scheduled to remain closed until 31 December 2026, and there is no access to Jenolan Caves through the closed section of the track. Walkers finishing at Binda Bush Cabins must also arrange their own transport because there is no public transport from the current endpoint.

This temporary closure does not reduce the value of the Jenolan sheet or the traditional route guide.

It does mean that anyone planning the walk must check the latest official advice before departure.

Conditions in the Blue Mountains can also change because of:

• bushfire danger;

• flooding;

• river levels;

• storm damage;

• track maintenance;

• landslips;

• road closures;

• park operations.

A printed map provides geographic understanding.

Current official alerts determine whether the planned route is open and appropriate on the day.

---

Why the Blue Mountains Requires More Than One Map

The Blue Mountains is not simply a chain of towns beside the Great Western Highway.

The inhabited ridge represents only a narrow part of the landscape.

To the north lie the Grose and Wollangambe systems, Mount Wilson, remote sandstone plateaus and the immense wilderness of Wollemi National Park.

To the south lie the Jamison Valley, Kedumba Valley, Lake Burragorang, Kanangra-Boyd National Park and an intricate network of ridges, creeks and escarpments.

To the west, the country changes again towards Hartley, Hampton, Jenolan and the Central Tablelands.

A road or visitor map is ideal for finding:

• towns;

• lookouts;

• tourist attractions;

• access roads;

• picnic areas;

• campgrounds;

• major walking areas.

A topographic map answers different questions:

• How steep is the descent?

• Which ridge provides access?

• Where does the creek flow?

• Is the track above or below the cliff line?

• Which fire trail reaches the walking route?

• Where could a river become a barrier?

• What lies beyond the edge of the tourist map?

• Which adjoining sheet is needed if the journey continues?

The more ambitious the journey, the more important those questions become.

---

The Six Foot Track

The Six Foot Track is one of Australia’s classic multi-day walks.

The historic route begins near Explorers Tree on the western edge of Katoomba. It descends through Nellies Glen, enters the Megalong Valley, crosses Coxs River and climbs through Mini Mini Saddle and the Black Range before traditionally descending towards Jenolan Caves.

NSW National Parks currently describes it as a challenging, hard-grade, approximately 42-kilometre one-way walk usually completed over three days. Campgrounds are located at Old Ford Reserve, Coxs River and Black Range, while Allum Creek provides a more basic camping area without toilets. Mobile reception is limited in parts of the region.

The traditional route is sometimes described as 44 or 46 kilometres depending on the precise start, endpoint and mapping method. The Mapworld DPE map lists 42 kilometres, while the Woodslane guide covers roughly 44 kilometres between Katoomba and Jenolan Caves.

The distance is only part of the story.

The track involves:

• a significant initial descent from the Katoomba plateau;

• exposed and open sections through the Megalong Valley;

• a major river crossing;

• long climbs away from Coxs River;

• forest and fire-trail sections through the Black Range;

• changing elevations and weather;

• limited services between the endpoints.

This is precisely the kind of walk for which a blue line on a phone is not enough.

The walker needs to understand the shape of the route.

---

1. Six Foot Track Map — DPE

The Best Single Map for the Complete Walk

The Six Foot Track Map — DPE is the best single-sheet map dedicated to the route.

It is produced at 1:25,000, the same detailed scale as the individual NSW topographic sheets, but presents the walking corridor as one continuous journey rather than dividing it at standard sheet boundaries.

The map identifies:

• the Explorers Tree start;

• Nellies Glen;

• Megalong Valley;

• Coxs River;

• Mini Mini Range;

• Black Range;

• the traditional descent towards Jenolan;

• campgrounds;

• watercourses;

• contours;

• access points;

• the route’s relationship with surrounding terrain.

Mapworld’s listing identifies the Katoomba, Hampton and Jenolan topographic sheets as the three standard 1:25,000 maps underlying the route.

Why Choose the Dedicated Map?

A standard topographic sheet is designed around a geographic grid.

The walking track may enter at one edge and disappear at another.

The dedicated map keeps the route together.

That makes it particularly useful when:

• planning the full journey;

• briefing a walking group;

• dividing the walk into stages;

• identifying camp locations;

• following the track across sheet boundaries;

• introducing less-experienced walkers to the route.

Its Limitation

A route map necessarily concentrates on the Six Foot Track corridor.

It may not provide the same amount of surrounding coverage as carrying all three complete 1:25,000 sheets.

Walkers planning side trips, emergency alternatives or exploration beyond the established corridor may prefer the full Katoomba, Hampton and Jenolan maps.

---

2. The Six Foot Track — Woodslane

The Best Route Guide

The Six Foot Track guide by Woodslane adds something even the best topographic map cannot provide by itself.

It explains the experience of walking the route.

The guide breaks the traditional journey into logical stages and includes:

• distances;

• ascent and descent;

• expected walking times;

• terrain grades;

• colour mapping;

• photographs;

• historical and environmental context;

• camping and water considerations;

• river-crossing information;

• safety and logistical advice.

The Mapworld listing describes it as a guide for walkers who want to understand the land, pace the journey properly and see the track as more than a GPX line.

Map or Guide?

The correct answer is usually both.

Use the dedicated map for:

• spatial orientation;

• contours;

• route position;

• adjacent terrain;

• grid references;

• navigation.

Use the guide for:

• stage planning;

• descriptive information;

• route character;

• walking times;

• historical context;

• practical preparation.

A map shows where the climb begins.

A guide helps explain what that climb may feel like after a full day’s walking.

---

The Three Essential Six Foot Track Topographic Sheets

The entire traditional Six Foot Track is covered by three NSW 1:25,000 sheets:

1. Katoomba 8930-1S;

2. Hampton 8930-4S;

3. Jenolan 8930-3N.

This three-sheet combination has long been identified as the complete detailed topographic set for the route.

---

3. Katoomba 8930-1S Topographic Map

The Best Map for the Eastern End of the Six Foot Track

The Katoomba 8930-1S Topographic Map covers the beginning of the journey and the high plateau surrounding Katoomba.

At 1:25,000, one centimetre on the map represents 250 metres on the ground.

The map shows:

• elevation contours;

• roads;

• walking tracks;

• fire trails;

• watercourses;

• cliffs and escarpments;

• vegetation;

• buildings;

• named geographic features;

• the relationship between Katoomba and the surrounding valleys.

The current Mapworld product page identifies it as NSW LPI topographic mapping centred on Katoomba and the adjoining escarpments, valleys and bushland.

Why It Matters on the Six Foot Track

The opening section is geographically dramatic.

The route begins near the western edge of the Katoomba plateau and descends through Nellies Glen towards the Megalong Valley.

On a phone, this may appear to be a simple line leaving town.

On a topographic map, the walker can see the abrupt transition between:

• the settled plateau;

• the escarpment;

• steep drainage lines;

• the valley below;

• the wider sandstone landscape.

The Katoomba sheet is also valuable for other walks and planning around the Katoomba, Leura and central escarpment area.

---

4. Hampton 8930-4S Topographic Map

The Most Important Sheet for the Middle of the Six Foot Track

The Hampton 8930-4S Topographic Map covers the central section of the Six Foot Track.

This is the sheet associated with:

• the Megalong Valley;

• the approach to Coxs River;

• the river crossing;

• the climb away from the valley;

• the transition towards the Black Range.

The Hampton map is frequently specified for Six Foot Track walks, and Bushwalking NSW identifies it as the relevant 1:25,000 sheet for a Coxs River section of the route.

What the Map Shows

Mapworld’s Hampton sheet displays:

• contours;

• streams;

• roads;

• tracks;

• fire trails;

• buildings;

• vegetation;

• place names;

• selected boundaries;

• points of interest.

It measures approximately 1150 × 600 mm and is available in paper, waterproof Tyvek and laminated formats.

Why This Section Deserves Close Attention

Coxs River is the low point of the walk.

The route then begins a sustained climb.

The map helps walkers understand that the river is not merely another waypoint. It is the bottom of a much larger terrain system.

Contour lines reveal:

• the depth of the valley;

• the steepness of the surrounding slopes;

• how the route gains height;

• why walking time cannot be estimated from distance alone;

• where creeks and ridges intersect the trail.

For many walkers, Hampton is the sheet on which the physical character of the Six Foot Track becomes most apparent.

---

5. Jenolan 8930-3N Topographic Map

The Best Map for the Western End and Jenolan Country

The Jenolan 8930-3N Topographic Map covers the western end of the traditional route.

It provides detailed coverage of the Jenolan region, including complex terrain and the limestone country associated with the cave systems. The sheet is available in paper, waterproof and laminated formats.

Why It Matters

The Six Foot Track changes character again as it approaches Jenolan.

The broad journey moves from sandstone plateau and valley country towards the limestone landscapes of the central west.

The Jenolan sheet provides:

• the final route context;

• surrounding ridgelines and drainage;

• Jenolan Road;

• access routes;

• terrain beyond the narrow walking corridor;

• a full conventional topographic reference for the destination area.

The present closure means walkers cannot complete the traditional final section into Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. The map remains essential for understanding the historic route and for future journeys when access is restored.

---

Additional Detailed Maps for the Blue Mountains

The following sheets are not required for the standard Six Foot Track.

They are important because they extend detailed mapping into other major parts of the Blue Mountains.

---

6. Mount Wilson 8930-1N Topographic Map

The Best Detailed Map for Mount Wilson and the Northern Escarpments

The Mount Wilson 8930-1N Topographic Map covers the northern country adjoining the Katoomba sheet.

Mapworld’s product includes:

• contours;

• streams;

• roads;

• tracks;

• fire trails;

• buildings;

• vegetation;

• place names;

• selected boundaries;

• points of interest.

It is available in paper, waterproof and laminated formats.

Best For

Choose Mount Wilson when the journey involves:

• Mount Wilson;

• northern escarpment country;

• adjoining fire trails;

• ridgelines and valleys north of the main highway;

• detailed local terrain beyond the Katoomba–Leura visitor corridor.

It is a logical companion to Katoomba for anyone building a more complete central and northern Blue Mountains map set.

---

7. Wollangambe 8931-2S Topographic Map

The Best Detailed Map for Wollangambe Country

The Wollangambe 8931-2S Topographic Map covers the Wollangambe area in the northern Blue Mountains.

The map includes the same fundamental NSW topographic information:

• contours;

• creeks and drainage;

• roads;

• tracks;

• fire trails;

• vegetation;

• buildings;

• named features;

• boundaries.

Best For

Choose Wollangambe for:

• northern Blue Mountains exploration;

• canyon-country planning;

• remote ridges and creek systems;

• trips extending north of Mount Wilson;

• fieldwork requiring detailed terrain information.

Canyoning demands skills and preparation beyond ordinary bushwalking. A topographic map provides geographic understanding but does not replace specialist knowledge, current access information, appropriate equipment or experienced leadership.

---

8. Jamison 8930-2N Topographic Map

The Best Detailed Map for Jamison Valley Country

The Jamison 8930-2N Topographic Map covers the Jamison area south and east of the main Katoomba plateau.

The map shows:

• contours;

• streams;

• roads;

• tracks;

• fire trails;

• buildings;

• vegetation;

• place names;

• points of interest;

• selected administrative boundaries.

Best For

Choose Jamison when planning:

• walks descending from the central Blue Mountains escarpment;

• routes involving the Jamison Valley;

• detailed terrain study south of Katoomba and Leura;

• longer journeys linking the plateau with southern valleys and ridges.

This is where the value of a 1:25,000 map becomes obvious.

Lookouts may be close together along the cliff edge, yet the valleys beneath them contain enormous vertical relief and limited crossing opportunities.

---

9. Kanangra 8930-3S Topographic Map

The Best Detailed Map for Kanangra-Boyd Country

The Kanangra 8930-3S Topographic Map extends detailed coverage south of the Jenolan sheet into Kanangra country.

Like the other LPI sheets, it shows:

• contours;

• waterways;

• roads;

• tracks;

• fire trails;

• vegetation;

• buildings;

• named features;

• selected boundaries.

The broader Blue Mountains South map also identifies Kanangra-Boyd National Park as one of its principal areas of coverage.

Best For

Choose Kanangra when:

• Kanangra-Boyd National Park is the principal destination;

• travelling south beyond Jenolan;

• studying southern wilderness terrain;

• planning remote bushwalks or field activity;

• building a complete southern Blue Mountains map kit.

Kanangra-Boyd is not an extension to add casually after the Six Foot Track.

It is a substantial wilderness destination requiring its own planning, maps and safety decisions.

---

Regional Blue Mountains Maps

Individual 1:25,000 sheets provide excellent detail.

They do not show the entire region at once.

Regional maps remain important because they help the user understand which detailed sheets are required and how each walking area connects with roads, towns and adjoining parks.

---

10. Blue Mountains Craigies Map

The Best General Touring Map

The Blue Mountains Craigies Map is the best broad map for visitors, road touring and general regional orientation.

Its coverage includes:

• Katoomba;

• Leura;

• Blackheath;

• Wentworth Falls;

• Lawson;

• Springwood;

• Mount Victoria;

• Lithgow;

• Hartley;

• Bells Line of Road;

• Grose Valley;

• Jenolan Caves;

• Megalong Valley;

• Kanangra-Boyd wilderness.

It also identifies roads, walking areas, lookouts, waterfalls, campgrounds, attractions and village layouts.

Best For

Choose Craigies when:

• visiting the Blue Mountains for the first time;

• driving between towns and attractions;

• planning several short walks;

• locating lookouts and visitor facilities;

• identifying which detailed topographic sheet is needed;

• combining road touring with limited bushwalking.

Its Limitation

Craigies is a touring map.

It should not be expected to provide the contour and terrain detail of a 1:25,000 topographic sheet.

Use it to understand the region.

Use a topographic map to understand the ground.

---

11. Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Map

The Best Broad Topographic Map of the Southern Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains South Topographic Map provides an effective middle ground between a touring map and individual 1:25,000 sheets.

Produced at 1:50,000, it covers areas including:

• Wentworth Falls;

• Jenolan Caves;

• Kanangra-Boyd National Park;

• Burragorang Valley;

• Yerranderie;

• southern Blue Mountains tracks and wilderness areas.

It marks contours, walking tracks, campsites, huts, roads, park boundaries, rivers and access routes.

Best For

Choose it when:

• several southern walking areas are being compared;

• a single regional topographic sheet is preferred;

• planning a 4WD, cycling or bushwalking trip;

• the map is needed for both regional context and practical field reference;

• carrying multiple 1:25,000 sheets would be unnecessary.

1:50,000 or 1:25,000?

At 1:50,000, one centimetre represents 500 metres.

At 1:25,000, one centimetre represents 250 metres.

The 1:50,000 map covers more territory.

The 1:25,000 map shows more detail.

Use 1:50,000 for regional understanding and established routes.

Use 1:25,000 where terrain interpretation, route choice and close navigation matter.

---

12. Blue Mountains North 1:50,000 Map

The Best Broad Map of the Northern Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains North Topographic Map covers northern ridgelines, rivers, canyons, fire trails and access routes extending towards Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine.

The 1:50,000 mapping includes:

• contours;

• rivers and tributaries;

• bushwalking routes;

• 4WD tracks;

• fire trails;

• campsites;

• roads;

• key landmarks.

Best For

Choose it when:

• exploring north of the Great Western Highway;

• planning trips around Mount Wilson;

• identifying access to northern wilderness;

• selecting between the Mount Wilson and Wollangambe 1:25,000 sheets;

• a large regional planning map is required.

---

Building the Ideal Blue Mountains Map Kit

Six Foot Track

Carry:

• Six Foot Track Map — DPE;

• The Six Foot Track — Woodslane;

• or the full detailed set of:

  • Katoomba 8930-1S;

  • Hampton 8930-4S;

  • Jenolan 8930-3N;

• a baseplate compass;

• offline digital mapping;

• appropriate emergency communication;

• current official track and closure information.

The dedicated map is the most convenient single navigation sheet.

The three-sheet set provides the greatest surrounding detail.

The Woodslane guide supplies stage planning and interpretation.

---

Katoomba, Leura and the Central Escarpment

Carry:

• Blue Mountains Craigies Map;

• Katoomba 8930-1S;

• Jamison 8930-2N where the route extends into the Jamison Valley.

The Craigies map handles towns, roads and visitor orientation.

The 1:25,000 sheets reveal the escarpments and valleys surrounding them.

---

Mount Wilson and Wollangambe

Carry:

• Blue Mountains North 1:50,000 Map;

• Mount Wilson 8930-1N;

• Wollangambe 8931-2S.

This combination provides both regional orientation and detailed northern terrain coverage.

---

Jenolan and Kanangra-Boyd

Carry:

• Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Map;

• Jenolan 8930-3N;

• Kanangra 8930-3S.

Check current Jenolan and park access before departure. At the time of writing, the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve remains closed.

---

A General Blue Mountains Driving Holiday

Carry:

• Blue Mountains Craigies Map;

• a current New South Wales road map;

• offline digital navigation;

• the appropriate local topographic sheet for any serious walk.

A road map gets you to the track.

A topographic map helps you understand what happens after the road ends.

---

Paper, Waterproof or Laminated?

The nominated NSW 1:25,000 sheets are available in three formats.

Paper

Paper is best when:

• the map is primarily for planning at home;

• weight and cost matter;

• pencil notes will be made;

• the map will be kept inside a protective case;

• it may later be framed or displayed.

Waterproof Tyvek

Waterproof Tyvek is the best field option for most serious bushwalkers.

It is:

• waterproof;

• tear resistant;

• foldable;

• lighter and more flexible than lamination;

• suited to repeated handling in rain and scrub.

Mapworld supplies the Hampton and other LPI sheets on waterproof, tear-resistant DuPont Tyvek for field use.

Laminated

Lamination is best when:

• the map will be used repeatedly;

• routes will be marked with suitable whiteboard markers;

• the sheet is for a vehicle, office or planning wall;

• additional protection from dirt and moisture is required;

• removable Map Dots will be used.

A laminated 1150 × 600 mm sheet is extremely durable but less convenient to fold and carry in a pack.

For walking, Tyvek is generally the most practical premium format.

For group planning, education and repeated reference, lamination is often the better choice.

---

Why Contours Matter in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is defined by vertical separation.

A lookout and a creek may appear close together in plan view.

They may be separated by hundreds of metres of elevation and an unbroken cliff line.

Contour lines allow the walker to recognise:

• escarpments;

• ridges;

• spurs;

• saddles;

• gullies;

• creek systems;

• steep and gentle slopes;

• the likely physical effort of a route.

On the Six Foot Track, contours explain:

• the descent from Katoomba;

• the low position of Coxs River;

• the climb towards Mini Mini Saddle;

• the rise towards the Black Range;

• the final descent within the traditional route.

Distance answers only one question.

Contours answer what lies between.

Read:

• What Is a Topographic Map?;

• How to Read a Topographic Map;

• Australian Topographic Map Symbols Explained.

These guides explain how contours, symbols, grids, tracks and watercourses combine to represent the landscape.

---

Paper Maps and Digital Navigation Should Work Together

Digital navigation is valuable in the Blue Mountains.

It can provide:

• live position;

• downloaded route files;

• track recording;

• distance travelled;

• emergency coordinates;

• satellite imagery;

• rapid access to updated alerts.

But a phone remains dependent on:

• battery power;

• functioning hardware;

• correctly downloaded data;

• an accurate GPS position;

• a screen large enough to understand the wider terrain.

Mobile reception is limited along parts of the Six Foot Track and within many Blue Mountains valleys. NSW National Parks advises walkers to prepare accordingly and notes that mobile reception is required to call Triple Zero.

A printed topographic map provides:

• an uninterrupted regional view;

• independent terrain information;

• route alternatives;

• contours;

• watercourses;

• grid references;

• a shared map for group discussion;

• a navigational layer that does not need power.

The strongest system is not paper instead of digital.

It is paper, compass and digital navigation together.

Read:

• The Decline of Map Reading Skills—and Why It Matters;

• How Maps Improve Spatial Thinking;

• Paper Maps vs Google Maps;

• GPS Disruption and Why Paper Maps Matter.

---

Carry a Compass

A compass does not tell you where you are.

It tells you direction.

Used with a topographic map, it can help you:

• orient the map;

• identify north;

• take a bearing;

• compare the map with visible terrain;

• follow a planned direction;

• confirm whether a track is travelling as expected;

• relocate when electronic navigation is unavailable.

Browse Mapworld’s Compass collection.

For practical guidance, read:

• Compass Buying Guide;

• How to Take a Bearing.

GPS provides location.

A compass provides direction.

A topographic map explains the landscape through which both are being used.

---

Current Information Still Matters

A printed map may accurately show that a track, road, campground or crossing exists.

It cannot tell you:

• whether it is open today;

• whether a bridge has been damaged;

• whether a river is safe to cross;

• whether a campsite is available;

• whether fire danger has closed the park;

• whether storm damage has affected the route;

• whether water is available;

• whether access through private land has changed.

Before departure, check:

• NSW National Parks alerts;

• Crown Lands information for the Six Foot Track;

• weather forecasts;

• fire danger;

• river and creek conditions;

• road closures;

• transport arrangements;

• campground requirements.

The official park map itself warns that it provides only a basic overview and may not contain enough topographic detail for some activities. NSW National Parks recommends buying a topographic map before exploring.

That is an important distinction.

The official overview shows the attraction.

The topographic map supports navigation through the landscape.

---

Why Buy Blue Mountains Maps from Mapworld?

Mapworld’s Blue Mountains range extends beyond one tourist map.

It includes:

• general touring maps;

• dedicated Six Foot Track mapping;

• route guidebooks;

• Blue Mountains North and South 1:50,000 maps;

• individual NSW 1:25,000 topographic sheets;

• waterproof Tyvek maps;

• laminated maps;

• wall maps;

• historical maps;

• compasses and navigation accessories.

The Blue Mountains search page brings together products covering Katoomba, the northern and southern wilderness, Jenolan, Kanangra-Boyd, regional touring and historical display.

A general retailer may offer one Blue Mountains visitor map.

Mapworld supplies the layers needed to understand the region properly:

• roads and towns;

• walking routes;

• regional topography;

• detailed local terrain;

• specialist tracks;

• historical context.

---

Complete Blue Mountains Map Directory

Six Foot Track

• Six Foot Track Map — DPE

• The Six Foot Track — Woodslane

• Katoomba 8930-1S Topographic Map

• Hampton 8930-4S Topographic Map

• Jenolan 8930-3N Topographic Map

Northern Blue Mountains

• Mount Wilson 8930-1N Topographic Map

• Wollangambe 8931-2S Topographic Map

• Blue Mountains North 1:50,000 Map

Central and Southern Blue Mountains

• Jamison 8930-2N Topographic Map

• Kanangra 8930-3S Topographic Map

• Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Folded Map

• Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Wall Map

General Touring

• Blue Mountains Craigies Map

• Browse All Blue Mountains Products

Supporting Collections

• New South Wales 1:25,000 Topographic Maps

• Australian Topographic Maps

• Compasses

• New South Wales Maps

---

Related Mapworld Articles

Continue planning with:

• What Is a Topographic Map?

• How to Read a Topographic Map

• Australian Topographic Map Symbols Explained

• NSW Topographic Maps Explained

• How to Find the Right Topographic Map Sheet for Any Location in Australia

• Compass Buying Guide

• How to Take a Bearing

• How Maps Improve Spatial Thinking

• The Decline of Map Reading Skills—and Why It Matters

• Paper Maps vs Google Maps

• GPS Disruption and Why Paper Maps Matter

• Why Specialist Map Shops Remain Important

---

Final Verdict

The best map for the Blue Mountains depends on how deeply you intend to enter the landscape.

Best General Map

The Blue Mountains Craigies Map is the strongest choice for road touring, towns, attractions, lookouts and general visitor orientation.

Best Broad Topographic Map

The Blue Mountains South 1:50,000 Folded Map is the strongest single regional topographic map for the southern Blue Mountains, Jenolan and Kanangra-Boyd.

The Blue Mountains North 1:50,000 Map is the better choice for Mount Wilson and the northern wilderness.

Best Six Foot Track Map

The Six Foot Track Map — DPE is the best single map dedicated to the complete traditional route.

Best Six Foot Track Guide

The Woodslane Six Foot Track guide adds the stage planning, walking times, photographs, safety advice and route context a map alone cannot provide.

Best Detailed Six Foot Track Set

For maximum topographic coverage, carry:

• Katoomba 8930-1S;

• Hampton 8930-4S;

• Jenolan 8930-3N.

These three 1:25,000 sheets cover the entire traditional Katoomba-to-Jenolan route.

Best Northern Sheets

Use:

• Mount Wilson 8930-1N;

• Wollangambe 8931-2S.

Best Southern Sheets

Use:

• Jamison 8930-2N;

• Jenolan 8930-3N;

• Kanangra 8930-3S.

Best Field Format

Waterproof Tyvek is generally the most practical format for carrying a 1:25,000 sheet while bushwalking.

Paper is best for economical planning.

Lamination is best for repeated marking, group planning and durable display.

Best Complete Map Kit

For a serious Blue Mountains journey, carry:

• one regional map;

• the relevant detailed topographic sheet or sheets;

• a dedicated route guide where available;

• a baseplate compass;

• offline digital mapping;

• appropriate emergency communication;

• current park, weather and access information.

The Blue Mountains rewards anyone who looks beyond the name of the track.

The right map will not shorten the climb from Coxs River.

It will not reduce the depth of Nellies Glen or reopen a closed section of park.

It will, however, show:

• where the track sits within the landscape;

• why the climbs and descents occur;

• which creeks, ridges and valleys shape the journey;

• what lies beyond the immediate route;

• where one map sheet ends and the next begins;

• how to plan with more than a blue line on a screen.

In country defined by cliffs, plateaus and hidden valleys, that wider understanding matters.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overall map of the Blue Mountains?

The Blue Mountains Craigies Map is the best general touring and visitor map.

What is the best map for the Six Foot Track?

The Six Foot Track Map — DPE is the best single dedicated map.

Which 1:25,000 topographic maps cover the Six Foot Track?

The complete traditional route is covered by:

• Katoomba 8930-1S;

• Hampton 8930-4S;

• Jenolan 8930-3N.

Is the Six Foot Track open to Jenolan Caves?

At the time of writing, the track is closed at the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve boundary and ends at Binda Bush Cabins. Check official alerts before planning the walk.

What is the best guidebook for the Six Foot Track?

The Six Foot Track by Woodslane provides stage descriptions, maps, distances, ascent and descent, photographs and practical guidance.

What scale is the Six Foot Track map?

The Mapworld DPE Six Foot Track map is produced at 1:25,000.

What does 1:25,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents 250 metres on the ground.

Is a 1:50,000 map detailed enough for bushwalking?

A 1:50,000 map is useful for regional planning and many established routes. A 1:25,000 map provides greater detail for complex terrain, off-track travel and close navigation.

What map covers Mount Wilson?

The Mount Wilson 8930-1N Topographic Map.

What map covers Wollangambe?

The Wollangambe 8931-2S Topographic Map.

What map covers the Jamison Valley area?

The Jamison 8930-2N Topographic Map.

What map covers Kanangra-Boyd?

Use the Kanangra 8930-3S Topographic Map, supported by the Blue Mountains South regional map.

Should I choose paper, waterproof or laminated?

Choose paper for planning, waterproof Tyvek for field use and lamination for repeated marking or display.

Should I carry a compass if I have GPS?

Yes. GPS and a compass perform different roles. A compass provides direction and works independently of batteries or satellite reception.

Is a tourist map suitable for remote bushwalking?

No. A tourist map is useful for towns, roads and attractions but may not provide sufficient contour, terrain and track detail for remote navigation.

Where can I buy Blue Mountains maps in Australia?

Mapworld stocks Blue Mountains touring maps, 1:50,000 regional maps, NSW 1:25,000 topographic sheets, the Six Foot Track map and guide, compasses and navigation accessories with Australia-wide delivery.

Written by Christopher O’Keeffe
Managing Director of Mapworld and specialist in maps, navigation and cartographic products.

Share:

---

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Map Guides, Travel Tips & Reviews